Wharton Journal

Issue date: 4/26/10 Section: News

What do gorgeous models, fabulous clothes, and a serious dance party have in common? They were all out in full force at the fourth annual Wharton Charity Fashion Show last Thursday. Held at the breathtaking Crystal Tea Room in Center City, the show drew a record 600 attendees comprised of Wharton students, retail industry professionals, and even admits visiting for Welcome Weekend. Thanks to such strong support, the show broke its previous records and raised close to $8,000 for the Mazzoni Center, a Philadelphia-based non-profit dedicated to providing health services to the LGBT community, while also helping to raise awareness of the importance of social responsibility in the fashion community.

Wharton students in various interpretations of "Dress to Impress" quickly took their seats when Jordan Brehove (WG '10) and Lila De la chesnaye (WG '10) opened the show in underwear from Calvin Klein's new "X" line. That was only the beginning of the excitement as 22 student models--plus Wharton partner Austin Kivett-Ripmaster and special guest faculty model Alex Edmans--strutted down the catwalk amidst a flurry of cheers and flashing light bulbs. The models showcased the latest looks from a diverse group of designers including Diane Von Furstenberg, Theory, Calvin Klein, Earnest Sewn, Bonobos, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Rowley, L.L. Bean Signature, and Stewart + Brown. The looks were accessorized with eyewear by Wharton-founded Warby Parker as well as handbags by Cuffz. Runway highlights included Tage Howerton (WG '11) moonwalking, Alex Edmans striking a pose in Calvin Klein, and Rugby players actually wearing clothes (Julien Gervaz (WG '11), Anthony Thomas (WG '11), and Duncan Orr (WG '11)). John Roberts (WG '11) observed "It was fascinating to see people you see every day in the hallway completely transformed as they strutted the catwalk."

The show may have appeared effortless from the VIP vantage point, but backstage was a different story. Models were having six-pack abs airbrushed by MAC Cosmetics artists, Alex Edmans and Jordan Brehove were engaging in a push-up contest in front of a full-length mirror, and volunteers were executing a tightly choreographed lineup which incorporated OPIM theory (what is model throughput?). However, the culmination of the year-long planning process, endless rehearsals, and crash diets paid off in a seamless show which brought a new level of professionalism and high-fashion to the event. Model Julien Gervaz summed it up best when he said, "Awesome job from the lovely Co-Heads and Directors. You had a similar level of organization as pro events but with much smaller pockets. Rock'N'Roll."

The runway show was only upstaged by the after-party which followed. The dance floor was flooded as DJ Albert Sara (WG '10) played a mix of Wharton classics ("Party in the USA") and Eurotrash anthems ("Infinity"). Patrons had no trouble accessing the open bar sponsored by SKYY vodka, Coors Light, and Blue Moon, or the runway which transitioned seamlessly into a raised dance platform perfect for…you got it, jump dancing. John Roberts declared, "The afterparty was amazing, I didn't expect a full blown, lights out dance party."

This event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of its Co-Heads Ali Graham (WG '10) and Gillian Reynolds (WG '10) or Directors Annie Chen (WG '11), Veronica Collins (WG '11), Costas Constantinides (WG '10), Michelle McGovern (WG '11), Laura Platt (WG '11), Isis Ward (WG '11), and Jinny Yoo (WG '11). The Co-Heads and Directors would like to thank the dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, and everyone who attended for contributing to the success of this event. And to the models, rest assured that even if the summer internship is a flop, you can always fall back on your burgeoning modeling career. Attendee Brett Lanier (WG '11) raved, "This event ranked up there with the Halloween party, Fight Night, and Studio 54 as the most enjoyable parties/events of the year. The organizers put on an amazing and fun event while raising a lot of money for a great cause!"

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